PALO! was nominated for a Grammy and a Latin Grammy for their album PALO! Live. They perform their own style of Tropical music they call “Afro-Cuban Funk”. Just think “funky, jazzed-up salsa”. Or better yet, listen to some of their music. The group’s unique, danceable sound blends the allure of Cuban music with funky beats and jazzy improvisation.

The New York Post proclaims “Afro-Cuban Funk is Cuban music for the new generation. And the leader of the sound is the Miami based band PALO!”

PALO! began in 2003. That’s when producer/pianist Steve Roitstein (Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, Oscar d’ Leon) invited his fellow musicians to join him in an improvised musical experiment combining Cuban music with funk beats. PALO!’s catchy original songs feature the sultry vocals of Latin Grammy-nominated Leslie Cartaya. The scorching percussion and vocals of Philbert Armenteros (congas) and Raymer Olalde (timbales) punctuate the performances with Cuban fire. Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms. The virtuosity of saxophonist Dr. Ed Calle was featured from 2003 until Dr. Calle left the band in early 2017.

The band has become a featured act in Miami’s premiere live music venues, concerts, festivals and private events. PALO! has performed for packed houses and festivals in major cities in North America, Latin America and Europe.

In June of 2016, PALO! released their third album Yo Quiero Guarachar, with the hit “Al Monte”. As of this writing the song has received over 1.3 million views on the Internet. In July 2016, the band enjoyed a successful European tour, including Paris, Luxembourg, Belgium, Amsterdam, and the prestigious Tempo Latino Festival in France, where they were named “Padrinos” of the Festival and Best New Artist, 2016.

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